ILOILO City – This southern city’s first quarter business investment ambiance is off to a strong start with the largest single investment for 2025 so far, following the entry of Metro Pacific Water’s (MPW)’s P5.5-billion desalination plant, the biggest in the country.
The state-of-the-art plant, located in Barangay Ingore, La Paz, is expected to supply 66.5 million liters of potable water daily, ensuring a steady water source for over 400,000 residents in Metro Iloilo and nearby towns. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Feb. 21. It is expected to be completed and operational by 2027.
The construction phase is projected to create a significant surge in employment, providing jobs for engineers, skilled laborers, and support staff.
Once operational, the facility will offer permanent positions in water management, maintenance, and technology-driven roles, thereby bolstering the region’s workforce.
In addition to direct employment, the project is expected to spur industrial growth, benefiting sectors such as manufacturing, beverage production, and other industries reliant on a consistent water supply.
MPW is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the continuous influx of investments in Iloilo speaks volumes about the city’s reputation as the investment hub of Western Visayas and a premier investment destination outside Metro Manila.
“This year, MPW has set a significant milestone in Iloilo City with their largest investment to date. We are grateful for their presence. The project is a game-changer as it not only addresses the current water demands of Iloilo City but also supports the city’s ongoing and future growth,” the city mayor stressed.
As of Feb. 27, the city’s Local Economic and Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office – Business Processing and Licensing Division recorded 120 new businesses and investments for this year.
“This is the result of our continuous efforts to build a business-friendly environment, one that not only attracts investors but also creates more jobs and opportunities for our people,” Treñas added.
LEDIP Office head Velma Jane Lao said, “With the direction of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and the commitment to continuity from our future leaders, we are looking at sustained progress for Iloilo City.”
The desalination plant’s water production is an integral component of Metro Pacific Iloilo Water’s (MPIW) P7 billion service enhancement program for 2024-2030.
MPIW, a joint venture company of MPW and Metro Iloilo Water District, continues its comprehensive initiatives to significantly boost water distribution efficiency.
These efforts include a P336-million hydraulic system pipe replacement project in Jaro district, replacing 14.97 kilometers of pipeline to enhance water supply and reduce non-revenue water.
Likewise, they implement advanced technologies like the SAHARA mobile leak detection system, Tyfo-Fibre Wrap Technology, and Data Loggers to minimize water losses and improve distribution.
On the other hand, MetPower Venture Partners Holdings, Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary of MPIC, is championing the cutting-edge Integrated Iloilo City Solid Waste Management Facility project, also located in Barangay Ingore, La Paz. This initiative, which is expected to take off this year, will position Iloilo City as a pioneer in sustainable waste management in the country.
These high-impact projects are part of Metro Pacific’s P15-billion investment in Iloilo City.
“Our nearly P15-billion investment this year in Iloilo City underscores our unwavering commitment to long-term economic growth and development of this vibrant city. By ensuring water security, we are creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and fostering sustainable growth,” said Angelo David Berba, MPIW’s Chief Operating Officer.
In 2024, MPIW stood among the largest entities in Iloilo City among new business investments based on declared capitalization.
They were joined by notable companies such as SM Development Corporation, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Heva Management and Development Corp., Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, Inc., Techlog Center, LLC, Visayas Container Terminal Inc., Scheirman Construction Consolidated Inc., Westernland Property Development Inc., Young Builders Corporation, and many more.
In recent years, other major investors in the city, particularly in sectors like condominiums, BPOs, malls, and hotels, included Eon Realty Development Corporation, South Prime Inc., Urgonia Development Corporation, DBC Homes, Cebu Land Masters Development Corporation, SM Prime Holdings, Ayala Group of Companies, Megaworld Corporation, and several others.
Based on the 2023 Provincial Products Account released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, large enterprises comprise 0.25 percent of the business industries in Iloilo City.
Majority are micro enterprises, comprising 94.01 percent of the total followed by small enterprises at 4.74 percent, and medium enterprises at one percent./PN
